Breaking Down the UFC Divisions at Midyear 2025
As we hit the halfway mark of 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has showcased a rollercoaster of action across its divisions. With seven pay-per-view events and 15 Fight Night cards already in the books, the landscape of the UFC is clearer than ever. ESPN's recent assessment highlights the stark contrasts between divisions, ranging from highly competitive to disappointingly lackluster, with some surprising grades that have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
One of the standout stories this year has been Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and a dominant force in her previous stints with the PFL. Having transitioned to the UFC, Harrison has made waves in the women's bantamweight division, securing impressive victories in her initial fights. However, despite her personal success, the division itself has been graded poorly, raising questions about the depth of talent and competition surrounding her.
Kayla Harrison's Impact Amidst a Struggling Division
Kayla Harrison's entry into the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. Her debut at UFC 300 against Holly Holm marked a significant moment, as she showcased her grappling prowess and adaptability at the bantamweight limit of 136 pounds—a considerable drop from her previous weight classes. Posts on X have lauded her as 'a pro's pro' for managing such weight cuts while maintaining dominance, with her subsequent fight against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 further solidifying her status as a title contender.
Despite Harrison's achievements, ESPN has rated the women's bantamweight division with an 'F', pointing to a lack of depth and competitive matchups beyond the top fighters. This rating suggests that while Harrison may be on a path to the championship, the division struggles to provide consistent challenges or compelling storylines for fans. As ESPN analyst Brett Okamoto notes, 'We've seen incredible individual performances, but some divisions just aren't delivering the overall excitement we expect from the UFC.'
This disparity between individual brilliance and divisional strength is a key talking point as Harrison eyes a title shot later in 2025. Her resume, which includes being the youngest sixth-degree judo black belt in US history, continues to grow, but the question remains whether the division can evolve to match her level of competition.
Other Divisions Shine While Some Falter
On the brighter side, divisions like lightweight have received high marks, especially with Ilia Topuria's stunning first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to claim the title. This fight, highlighted by ESPN as a defining moment of 2025 so far, showcases the depth and excitement in certain weight classes. Topuria's rise, alongside emerging talents like Joshua Van in the men's flyweight division, signals a refreshing change at the top of these categories.
Conversely, other divisions mirror the struggles seen in women's bantamweight. The lack of consistent star power or competitive balance has led to disappointing grades across the board, with ESPN describing some as 'abysmal'. As the UFC heads into the second half of 2025, the focus will be on whether these struggling divisions can rebound with new talent or blockbuster matchups to reignite fan interest.